U.S. based-Guyanese model and designer Shanice Jones has become an internationally established fashion mogul, and continues to develop her artistic talents; rapidly moving ahead in the fashion industry and making a name for herself while representing her country.
Jones grew up in New Amsterdam, Berbice and attended the Trinity Street Primary School, New Amsterdam Multilateral then R.V.C Private School.
In an interview with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine, Jones said her creative designing abilities all came to light when she attended a local sewing programme. Since then the thought of wearing her own designs has always lingered in her mind but was never fully executed until it was made vividly clear in her mind that she was destined to do this.
“As a young child I always made dresses for my dolls, and newspaper clothing. But it was later in my teen life that I took professional classes from a local seamstress, Mineva Peters. I participated in fashion shows both in primary and secondary school.
After creating a stunning Old Year’s Night gown, I knew that this was one of my callings.
As for modelling – I have always loved being in front of the camera. I love having the spotlight always on me. I literally have thousands of pictures of myself. Some are professional and some were taken just because I love the camera so much,” the talented model confessed.
In 2007, Jones came to the US and knew that all her dreams were going to come true. Jones believes that in the “land of many opportunities” all things are possible with hard work.
Jones and her signature ponytail
“I am certainly on the road to proving that. I left Guyana in May of 2007 for a better life with more opportunities. I love my country Guyana but I know I have more exposure in the US for my line of work and I’m able to represent my country on a larger scale.” The multitalented Jones also dabbled with dancing for some years when she met with famous US singer and songwriter ‘Raye 6’ in 2008. Jones was one of her original “Bubble Girls” (dancers). Since then, Jones has been one of her back- up dancers.
“As one of her Bubble Girls I am featured in almost all of her live shows. Being around her has allowed my career to meet new heights.” In August 2010, out of her Brooklyn apartment, Jones launched her design line ‘The Shanice Jones Collection’. The collection immediately turned heads and became famous among many big names in the fashion industry.
“The Shanice Jones Collection is based on a vision that was worth exploring. Since then numerous fashion opportunities have emerged and I have been given the privilege to work with an entirely diverse set of people. My collection is mostly made up of dresses for every body type. I love being sexy and classy, keeping in mind that every woman deserves to be that way as well. With a clear goal that will be met, this collection is sure to stand out,” Jones declared.
She has so far launched her ‘Fall/ Winter 2010/ 2011’ design collection, a ‘Spring/ Summer 2011’ collection, and a ‘Fall/ Winter 2011/2012’ collection. Additionally, the dynamic model and designer said she has taken up acting classes this past year and will be pushing for movie deals in the near future.
She has several projects in the works that will increase her demand in all of these industries.
“I am currently working with a factory to produce my clothing in bulk so that I will be capable of providing wholesale items in all sizes to stores nationwide, starting with my ‘Fall/ Winter 2012’ pieces. This will certainly help to make me a household name, which will increase my demand and assist to promote my name and face as a model and future actress,” the ambitious designer revealed.
Commenting on the late hours and hard work she puts in, Jones said many persons have a misconception that modelling and designing are easy jobs, but that is far from the truth. The final product looks simple, she said, but it is usually done with early model call times. Long hours in front of the camera or the sewing machine, sore feet, the pressure to always look your best and to provide the best clothing on the runway are what make it difficult. She added that these are tough industries but her job as a model and designer is to make it look easy.
Determination and resilience keep Jones pressing on to be successful in her careers.
The creme de la creme of her designing and modelling careers is when she looks at the final product.
Jones revealed that going back to Guyana to be part of the Guyana Fashion Week is one of her goals. Also, she would love to go back to her hometown in Berbice to put on an extravagant fashion show.
Shanice Jones has been featured in numerous international magazines and has modelled for US companies such as Raye 6 (Bubble Girls), Kristi Voss Urban Couture, The Experience Unisex Salon (Live Model Mannequin), Butch Diva Model, Model Citizen/ Lecheur Girl for No Labelz Magazine, and Je Suis & COOL Clothing Line.
Jones’ collections can be viewed on www.theshanicejonescollection.com or visit The Shanice Jones Collection page on Facebook. (Taken from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
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